Bob Beecham | posted 6:39 PM, March 29, 2021

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Many people regard washing machine hoses as "install and forget" items, and don't know the hoses will wear out. That is, until they suddenly sink their ankles in water and foam. One of the reasons for hose wear is the constant friction of the water itself. In addition, frequent changes in water pressure and temperature can exacerbate the problem, and cracks and bumps can form in the hose, which can lead to weak points.

A good washing machine can be used for many years, but the manufacturer recommends that even the best washing machine hoses be replaced every 5 years. For people who don’t remember the last time they checked the condition of the hose, they most likely need to be updated. The following is a comprehensive guide to finding the best alternative to washing machine hoses to help prevent accidents in the laundry room.

A quick inspection of the washing machine hoses every 6 months will help identify problems early so that you can empty the washing machine to install a high-quality hose replacement. Before purchasing a hose, it is best to consider the following important criteria.

The length of the washing machine hose varies from approximately 3 feet to 12 feet. When choosing the right length for the hose, leave a few more inches. Too tight the hose between the water supply faucet and the machine will put pressure on the connection at both ends, especially the movement and vibration inherent in the operation of the washing machine. Although the leak may not be obvious at first, a hose that is too tight does increase the risk of eventual leakage.

If you need a washing machine hose longer than 12 feet, you can use a coupler. However, this is another area of ​​potential leakage. If possible, it is recommended to extend the main water supply pipe (which may be a durable copper pipe) close to the washing machine. Therefore, a hose length that is easier to manage can be installed.

There are two materials used to make washing machine hoses: reinforced rubber and braided stainless steel.

Reinforced rubber is usually a budget option. Generally, the hose described in this way is actually made of polyester rather than natural rubber. PVC is also used. It's a bit difficult, but it's not that flexible. Rayon or polyester fibers are also added to form meshes that increase strength. Rayon is natural cellulose made from plant material, while polyester is synthetic. When used in washing machine hoses, there is no significant difference in durability. Be careful that it may be ordinary rubber rather than reinforced very low-cost hoses.

Braided stainless steel hose has a rubber or PVC core. Braiding protects them from external damage and increases stiffness, helping to prevent bumps that could cause the hose to burst. Stainless steel is used to reduce corrosion, although it will eventually occur under the high humidity of the laundry room. Braided hoses are more expensive than rubber, but are generally more durable. Although some manufacturers call their products "explosion-proof" and claim that they can withstand high voltages, this does not guarantee that they are indestructible. Over time, hose wear and cracks will still develop.

Hose joints are almost all brass, will not rust, and are usually chrome-plated or nickel-plated.

The cold water supply in a home rarely falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and most boilers have hot water temperatures between 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Both rubber hoses and braided hoses can handle these temperature ranges.

However, it is important to check the product specifications before installation. They are usually (though not always) color-coded in some way: blue represents cold and red represents hot. Some need to be installed on an appropriate cold or heat supply, while others are interchangeable.

If possible, the hoses of the washing machine should be protected from freezing temperatures, which will definitely weaken them and possibly cause them to burst. In addition, water temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit will reduce the effectiveness of most detergents.

A little care when installing washer hoses can greatly reduce the chance of leakage.

After reading the main features of the best washing machine hoses, it is time to take a look at the current models available for purchase. Although there are many similarities, subtle differences may make one pair more appropriate than the other, so they are divided into multiple categories.

Kelaro's high-quality washing machine hoses are made of UPC (Uniform Piping Code) certified 304 stainless steel, which is popular in kitchens and laundry equipment due to its high strength, heat resistance and corrosion resistance. They are also lead-free and have passed the California AB1953 standard (drinking water safety), NSF61 (National Sanitation Foundation) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification.

The hose core is PVC, which can withstand burst pressures of up to 1,500 pounds per square inch (pounds per square inch). In comparison, the water pressure in a standard home is about 60 psi. Nuts and ferrules are nickel-plated brass with a common ¾ inch NPT (National Pipe Thread). The thick gasket included ensures a leak-free seal. The hoses used for hot and cold water are clearly marked by the blue or red stripes of the braid. Kelaro's premium washing machine hoses are 3 feet, 8 feet and 12 feet long.

K&J is one of the leading manufacturers of washing machine hoses, producing stainless steel and rubber versions. Although these 6-foot-long high-strength hoses are their premium products, they are still very affordable. The core is rubber, which has excellent flexibility. This is also very difficult-the same grade is used for car tires.

These hoses are marked with red and blue marks throughout the braid, but their strength and temperature resistance mean that they are actually interchangeable. Their explosion-proof rating is 1,500 psi. The accessory is 3/4 inch NPT, suitable for all American washing machines, with flexible rubber gaskets for leak-free connections.

For decades, high-quality rubber hoses like Highcraft have been the standard for all households. These American-made hoses are EPD rubber (ethylene propylene diene), a synthetic version, technically called saturated polyethylene. It is favored for its high heat resistance, and unlike some synthetic rubbers, it is largely immune to the damaging ultraviolet rays of sunlight. They are reinforced with spiral polyester mesh.

The connector is ¾ inch NPT made of nickel-plated brass. The washers are pre-installed so they will not fall off. Rubber is colored for easy identification: blue means cold, red means hot. Highcraft's sturdy, flexible, low-cost washing machine hoses are 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet long.

Shark Industrial produces washing machine hoses with many high-quality characteristics. The tough PVC core is reinforced with nylon mesh. Then add 304 stainless steel braid to form an explosion-proof hose that is resistant to 1,500 psi. Each hose is color coded, with red for hot and blue for cold. The finished product complies with the international NSF/ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and CSA standards.

The space in the laundry room is often a challenge, so Shark Industrial equips each 5-foot hose with a 90-degree elbow. These elbows allow the hose to run close to the back of the machine. Fittings are rust-proof nickel-plated brass with ¾ inch NPT thread. Their prices are also very competitive.

These washing machine hoses from Hippohose are highly durable and have an inner core of 100% rubber. They are sheathed with UPC-certified 304 stainless steel braid, and they are lead-free and resistant to blasting 1,500 psi. Most manufacturers stop here, but Hippohose adds a protective layer of PVC, so even if the risk is small, water will not reach the stainless steel layer.

Not only are they very sturdy, but the red and blue finishes are so attractive that it seems a shame to hide them behind the washing machine. Although they are only available in 4 feet or 6 feet in length, they are equipped with standard ¾ inch NPT connectors with straight connections or 90 degree elbows.

K&J hoses have won the honorary title for their excellent quality of stainless steel hoses. These reinforced rubber versions are manufactured to the same high standards. Although technically it does not have the durability of its metal counterpart, the addition of a high-strength fiber mesh provides good pressure and temperature resistance. The lack of color coding is because these hoses are completely interchangeable in hot and cold use.

These rubber washing machine hoses are 6 feet long and have common brass universal 3/4 inch NPT fittings. They may be a low-cost alternative to stainless steel models, but they are still a sturdy and well-made choice.

Usually, the choice between rubber washing machine hoses and more durable stainless steel models is just a matter of price. Almost without exception, the latter is more expensive. These certified electrical accessories are an exception to the rule and are actually cheaper than many rubber washing machine hoses.

The core is durable PVC, reinforced with woven polyester. The stainless steel braid adds a tough outer layer. They have passed UPC, NSF and CSA certification, so there is no need to worry about product quality. They have typical ¾-inch NPT nickel-plated brass fittings. They are only 4 feet long.

If you have the opportunity to study the main features and advantages of the best washing machine hose, you can make a choice. However, you may have more questions. The following are the most frequently asked questions by buyers buying new washing machine hoses.

Do not. As mentioned above, there are quite a few changes. The "preferred" section should help shoppers find the best washer hose for the laundry room.

Washing machine hoses should not be exposed to freezing temperatures. If there is a possibility of this happening, the water should be disconnected when not in use. On the other hand, the general operating range of domestic water heaters is between 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Washing machine hoses used for hot water should be able to withstand these temperatures.

The hose is usually pre-installed at the end of the machine. If a washing tank or standpipe is used, the hose can simply be hung on the edge. Do not seal the connection to the standpipe, as this will cause the water in the machine to be siphoned. The piping code requires you to have an air gap. Since the diameter of the standpipe is larger than the diameter of the drain hose, this is not a problem. If installed in a sink drain pipe, an adapter may be required.

It is recommended that the hose of the washing machine be replaced every 5 years, but if the hose is cracked or deformed, it should be replaced immediately.

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